Home Study – Approved!

One week ago today, my home study was signed off and I was officially approved as an adoptive parent! I am APPROVED!!! I want to thank my wonderful social worker for all of her encouragement, support, guidance, advice, acceptance, and … Continue reading

Adoption – Third and final home study

As mentioned in the post last week, the third and final portion of the home study was completed at the coffee shop during our meeting about the therapist weigh-in. In a coffee shop for me was not ideal, and definitely … Continue reading

Adoption – Therapy

When my social worker suggested an impromptu meeting after the second home study, I knew there was likely a ‘ruling’ from the things that were revealed.

To recap the second home study delved further into some of my background, where we discussed things like rape, my mother, being kicked out of home at 16, and some of the relationships I’d had since then.

At this meeting, my social worker suggested that to show that I’d come through all of those things and was now in this moment a healthy, stable, safe, option for an adoption placement, therapy would be required.

She asked me if I would consider this? Continue reading

Adoption – Second Home Study

Expectant Mother – Adoption Journey Series… The Second Home Study Full-disclosure. Rape, Alcohol, Pot, Sexual History, Relationships… The second home study came a few weeks after the first, and I felt a little less nerve-wracked than the first time… but … Continue reading

Adoption – First Home Study

Expectant Mother – Adoption Journey Series…

On the very same day that I submitted my Questionnaire, I sent a follow up email to ensure Theresa received it.

Subject: Questionnaire complete
Hi Theresa,
I dropped off my questionnaire for you today.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or need any clarification. Sorry about all of the “extra columns” and additional notes/comments…hope that’s OK… I like to play outside of the lines a little!
It feels a little vulnerable to have filled that in and submitted it. Actually I can only imagine what picture forms from reading it…  I don’t feel uncomfortable about any of it myself, but from the outside looking in I realise it can appear “difficult”.
I’ll look forward to hearing from you, and look forward to the “next step” when it is ready to go ahead.
Ali

Theresa responded the same day and I appreciate that about her so much, she never left me hanging.

Thanks Ali…
I have reviewed the questionnaire already;  most people definitely feel as you do;  it’s a very vulnerable state to be in;  someone looking at your past and seeing its role in your present and future.  I have been through the process myself so I fully understand.
Believe me, there was nothing shocking.
So, next step is to start the home study process.
I would suggest meeting at your place some day after work or a day off;  I can be flexible.
Thinking maybe 1-1/5 hours…just as a guideline.
Take care

I was glad that there was nothing shocking in my questionnaire, and that she let me know she’d been through the process herself. That was helpful in allowing me to relax and have faith that she would not judge me because I had a sometimes unstable upbringing.

This was good news. Continue reading